Vocabulary.4000

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ABOUT THIS BOOK ...

5 THE WORDS...

7 WORD ANALYSIS ...

103

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English offers perhaps the richest vocabulary of all languages, in

part because its words are culled from so many languages. It is a

shame that we do not tap this rich source more often in our daily

conversation to express ourselves more clearly and precisely.

There are of course thesauruses but they mainly list common

words. Other vocabulary books list difficult, esoteric words that we

quickly forget or feel self-conscious using. However, there is a

bounty of choice words between the common and the esoteric that

often seem be just on the tip of our tongue. Vocabulary 4000 brings

these words to the fore.

Whenever possible, one-word definitions are used. Although

this makes a definition less precise, it also makes it easier to

remember. Many common words appear in the list of words, but

with their less common meanings. For example, the common

meaning of champion is “winner.” A less common meaning for

champion is to support or fight for someone else. (Think of the

phrase “to champion a cause.”) This is the meaning that would be

used in the list.

As you read through the list of words, mark any that you do not

know with a check mark. Then when you read through the list again,

mark any that you do not remember with two checks. Continue in

this manner until you have learned the words.

There are four types of quizzes interspersed in the word list:

Matching, Antonyms, Analogies, and Sentence Completions. The

Matching quizzes, review words that were just introduced. All the

other quizzes contain words from any part of the list.

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THE

WORDS

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A

a cappella without accompaniment à la carte priced separately

a priori reasoning based on general

principles

aback unexpected, surprised abacus counting device abandon desert, forsake abase degrade

abash humiliate, embarrass abate lessen, subside abatement alleviation abbey monastery abbreviate shorten

abdicate relinquish power or

position

abdomen belly abduct kidnap aberrant abnormal

abet aid, encourage (typically of

crime)

abeyance postponement abhor detest

abide submit, endure abject wretched abjure renounce ablate cut away ablution cleansing abode home

abolish annul, eliminate

abominable detestable aboriginal indigenous, native abortive unsuccessful abound be plentiful abreast side-by-side abridge shorten abroad overseas abrogate cancel abrupt ending suddenly

abscess infected and inflamed tissue abscond to run away (secretly) absolve acquit, free from blame abstain refrain

abstract theoretical, intangible abstruse difficult to understand abut touch, border on

abysmal deficient, sub par abyss chasm

academy school accede yield, agree accentuate emphasize accession attainment of rank accessory attachment, accomplice acclaim recognition, fame acclimate accustom oneself to a

climate, adjust

acclivity ascent, incline accolade applause, tribute

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accomplice one who aids a

lawbreaker

accord agreement

accost to approach and speak to

someone aggressively

accouter equip, clothe accredit authorize accrete grow larger accrue accumulate accumulate amass

acerbic caustic, bitter (of speech) acme summit, zenith

acolyte assistant (usually to clergy) acoustic pertaining to sound acquaint familiarize acquiesce agree passively acquit free from blame

acrid pungent, caustic, choking acrimonious caustic, resentful acrophobia fear of heights actuate induce, start acumen insight acute sharp, intense

ad nauseam to a ridiculous degree ad-lib improvise

adage proverb adamant insistent

adapt adjust to changing conditions adaptable pliable

addendum appendix, supplement

adduce offer as example adept skillful adhere stick to adherent supporter adieu farewell adipose fatty adjacent next to

adjourn suspend, discontinue adjudicate judge

adjunct addition administer manage admissible allowable admonish warn gently ado fuss, commotion Adonis a beautiful man adroit skillful

adulation applause, worship adulterate contaminate, corrupt adumbration overshadow

advent arrival of something important adventitious accidental, extrinsic adversary opponent

adverse unfavorable, opposing adversity hardship

advise give counsel advocate urge, support

aegis that which protects, sponsorship aerial pertaining to the air

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Quiz 1 (Matching)

Match each word in the first column with its definition in the second column. Answers are on page 101.

1. ABASE A. applause 2. ABSTAIN B. caustic 3. ACOLYTE C. shorten 4. ABEYANCE D. applause 5. ABRIDGE E. assistant 6. ACCOLADE F. postponement 7. ACRIMONIOUS G. refrain 8. ADDUCE H. exercise 9. ADULATION I. degrade

10. AEROBICS J. offer as example

aesthetic pleasing to the senses,

beautiful

affable friendly affect influence

affectation pretense, showing off affidavit sworn written statement affiliate associate

affiliation connection, association affinity fondness

affix fasten affliction illness

affluent abundant, wealthy affray brawl

affront insult

aficionado devotee, ardent follower afoul entangled, in trouble

aft rear

aftermath consequence agape wonder

agenda plan, timetable

agent provocateur agitator aggrandize exaggerate aggravate worsen aggregate total, collect aggressor attacker aggrieve mistreat

aggrieved unjustly injured aghast horrified

agile nimble agitate stir up

agnate related on the father’s side agnostic not knowing whether God

exists

agrarian pertaining to farming agronomy science of crop

production

air discuss, broadcast airs pretension

akimbo with hands on hips akin related

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alacrity swiftness albatross large sea bird albino lacking pigmentation alcove recess, niche

alias assumed name alibi excuse

alienate estrange, antagonize alight land, descend, to happen to

find a place to rest

allay to reassure

allege assert without proof allegiance loyalty allegory fable allegro fast

alleviate lessen, assuage

alliteration repetition of the same

sound

allocate distribute allot allocate, ration allude refer to indirectly ally unite for a purpose

almanac calendar with additional

information

alms charity

aloof arrogant, detached altercation argument altitude height alto low female voice

altruism benevolence, generosity amalgamation mixture

amass collect

ambient surrounding, environment ambiguous unclear

ambivalence conflicting emotions ambulatory able to walk

ameliorate improve amenable agreeable amend correct

amenities courtesies, comforts amenity pleasantness

amiable friendly amid among

amiss wrong, out of place amity friendship, good will amnesty pardon

amoral without morals amorous loving, sexual amorphous shapeless amortize pay by installments amphibious able to operate in water

and land

amphitheater oval-shaped theater amuck murderous frenzy

amulet charm, talisman amuse entertain

anachronistic out of historical order anaerobic without oxygen

anagram a word formed by

rearranging the letters of another word

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Quiz 2 (Antonyms)

Directions: Choose the word most opposite in meaning to the capitalized word. Answers are on page 101.

1. GRATUITOUS: (A) voluntary (B) arduous (C) solicitous (D) righteous (E) befitting

2. FALLOW: (A) fatuous (B) productive (C) bountiful (D) pertinacious (E) opprobrious

3. METTLE: (A) ad hoc (B) perdition (C) woe (D) trepidation (E) apathy

4. SAVANT: (A) dolt (B) sage (C) attaché (D) apropos comment (E) state of confusion

5. RIFE: (A) multitudinous (B) blemished (C) sturdy (D) counterfeit (E) sparse

6. ABRIDGE: (A) distend (B) assail (C) unfetter (D) enfeeble (E) prove

7. PRODIGAL: (A) bountiful (B) dependent (C) provident (D) superfluous (E) profligate

8. REQUIEM: (A) humility (B) prerequisite (C) resolution (D) reign (E) hiatus

9. METE: (A) indict (B) convoke (C) hamper (D) disseminate (E) deviate

10. SEVERANCE: (A) continuation (B) dichotomy (C) astringency (D) disclosure (E) remonstrance

analogous similar

analogy point by point comparison anarchist terrorist, nihilist

anarchy absence of government, chaos anathema curse, abomination

anecdote story

aneurysm bulging in a blood vessel angst anxiety, dread

animadversion critical remark animated exuberant

animosity dislike animus hate

annals historical records

annex to attach, to take possession of annihilate destroy

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annul cancel annular ring-shaped anodyne pain soothing

anoint consecrate, apply ointment anomalous abnormal

anonymity state of being

anonymous

antagonistic hostile antagonize harass

antechamber waiting room antediluvian ancient, obsolete anthology collection

anthrax disease, bacterium antic caper, prank

antipathy repulsion, hated antipodal exactly opposite antiquated outdated, obsolete antiquity ancient times antithesis direct opposite apartheid racial segregation apathetic unconcerned, uninterested apathy indifference

ape mimic aperture opening apex highest point aphasia speechless aphorism maxim aplomb poise

apocalyptic ominous, doomed

apocryphal of doubtful authenticity apoplexy stroke

apostate one who abandons one’s

faith apotheosis deification appall horrify apparition phantom appease pacify appellation title append affix apposite apt

apprehensive anxious, worried apprise inform

approbation approval apropos appropriate apt suitable

aptitude ability

aquatic pertaining to water arbiter judge

arbitrament final judgment arbitrary tyrannical, capricious arcane secret, difficult to understand archaic antiquated

archetype original model, epitome archipelago group of island archives public records ardent passionate ardor passion arduous hard

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argonauts gold-seekers, adventurers argot specialized vocabulary, jargon aria operatic song

arid dry, dull aristocrat nobleman armada fleet of ships armistice truce arraign indict array arrangement arrears in debt

arrogate seize without right arroyo gully

arsenal supply, stockpile of weapons artful skillful, cunning

articulate well-spoken artifice trick

artless naive, simple ascend rise

ascendancy powerful state ascertain discover ascetic self-denying ascribe to attribute aseptic sterile ashen pale asinine stupid

askance to view with suspicion askew crooked aspersion slander asphyxiate suffocate aspirant contestant aspiration ambition assail attack assassin murderer assent agree assert affirm assess appraise assiduous hard-working assimilate absorb, integrate assonance partial rhyme assuage lessen (pain) astral pertaining to stars astringent causing contraction,

severe

astute wise

asunder apart, into separate parts asylum place of refuge

asymmetric uneven

atavistic exhibiting the characteristics

of one’s forebears

atelier workshop atoll reef

atomize vaporize atone make amends

atrophy the wasting away of muscle attenuate weaken, assuage

attest testify attire dress attribute ascribe

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Quiz 3 (Matching)

1. ANATHEMA A. hard 2. ANNIHILATE B. curse 3. ANOMALOUS C. gully 4. APATHETIC D. suffocate 5. ARCHAIC E. antiquated 6. ARDUOUS F. destroy 7. ARROYO G. abnormal 8. ASPHYXIATE H. unconcerned 9. ASTRINGENT I. make amends 10. ATONE J. causing contraction

atypical abnormal

au courant well informed, chic audacity boldness

audient listening, attentive audition tryout

augment increase, supplement augur predict

august noble, majestic aura atmosphere, emanation auspices patronage, protection auspicious favorable

austere harsh, Spartan authorize grant, sanction automaton robot

autonomous self-governing auxiliary secondary, supportive avail assistance

avant garde vanguard avarice greed

avatar incarnation

averse loath, reluctant avert turn away

avian pertaining to birds avid enthusiastic avocation hobby avouch attest, guarantee avow declare

avuncular like an uncle awry crooked

axiom self-evident truth aye affirmative vote azure sky blue

B

babbittry smugness

bacchanal orgy, drunken celebration badger pester

badinage banter

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bailiwick area of concern or business baleen whalebone

baleful hostile, malignant balk hesitate

balky hesitant ballad song

ballast counterbalance ballistics study of projectiles balm soothing ointment banal trite

bandy exchange bane poison, nuisance barbarian savage bard poet baroque ornate barrister lawyer

bask take pleasure in, sun basso low male voice bastion fort

bathos sentimentality batten fasten, board up battery physical attack bauble trinket

beatify sanctify beatitude state of bliss beckon lure

becoming proper bedlam uproar befit to be suitable

beget produce, procreate begrudge resent, envy beguile deceive, seduce behemoth monster behest command

beholden in debt, obliged belabor assail verbally, dwell on belated delayed, overdue

beleaguer besiege belfry bell tower

belie misrepresent, disprove belittle disparage

bellicose warlike belligerent combative bellow shout

bellwether leader, guide bemoan lament bemused bewildered benchmark standard benediction blessing benefactor patron benevolent kind benign harmless bent determined bequeath will

bequest gift, endowment berate scold

bereave to rob, to deprive somebody of

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Quiz 4 (Antonyms)

1. HYPOCRITICAL: (A) forthright (B) judicious (C) circumspect (D) puritanical (E) unorthodox

2. VOLUMINOUS: (A) obscure (B) cantankerous (C) unsubstantial (D) tenacious (E) opprobrious

3. FANATICISM: (A) delusion (B) fascism (C) remorse (D) cynicism (E) indifference

4. INTERMINABLE: (A) finite (B) jejune (C) tranquil (D) incessant (E) imprudent

5. ORNATE: (A) Spartan (B) blemished (C) sturdy (D) counterfeit (E) temporary

6. MUTABILITY: (A) simplicity (B) apprehension (C) frailty (D) maverick (E) tenacity

7. VIRULENT: (A) benign (B) intrepid (C) malignant (D) hyperbolic (E) tentative

8. ABSTEMIOUS: (A) timely (B) immoderate (C) bellicose (D) servile (E) irreligious

9. VERBOSE: (A) subliminal (B) myopic (C) pithy (D) dauntless (E) ubiquitous

10. VISCID: (A) subtle (B) faint (C) slick (D) vicious (E) difficult

bereft deprived of

berserk crazed with anger beseech implore, beg beset harass, encircle besiege beleaguer, surround besmirch slander, sully bespeak attest

bestial beast-like, brutal

bestow offer, grant betrothed engaged bevy group

bibliography list of sources of

information

bicameral having two legislative

branches

bicker quarrel

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bilateral two-sided bilious ill-tempered bilk swindle

biodegradable naturally decaying biopsy removing tissue for

examination

biped two-footed animal bistro tavern, cafe bivouac encampment blandish flatter, grovel blasé bored with life blasphemy insulting God bleak cheerless, forlorn blight decay

bliss happiness blithe joyous bloated swollen bode portend bogus forged, false bogy bugbear boisterous noisy

bolt move quickly and suddenly bombast pompous speech bon vivant gourmet, epicure bona fide made in good faith bonanza a stroke of luck boon payoff, windfall boor vulgar person bootless unavailing

booty loot, stolen goods botch bungle

bourgeois middle class bovine cow-like

boycott abstain in protest bracing refreshing brackish salty

brandish display menacingly bravado feigned bravery

bravura technically difficult, brilliant brawn strength

brevity shortness of expression brigand robber

brink edge, threshold broach bring up a topic for

conversation bromide cliché brook tolerate browbeat to bully brusque curt bucolic rustic buffet blow, pummel buffoon fool, joker bulwark fortification

buncombe empty, showy talk buoyant floatable, cheerful burgeon sprout

burlesque farce burly husky

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buttress support

C

cabal a group of conspirators cabaret night club

cache hiding place cachet prestige

cacophony dissonance, harsh noise cadaver corpse

cadaverous haggard cadence rhythm

cadet a student of a military academy cadge beg

cadre small group cajole encourage, coax calamity disaster calculating scheming caliber ability, character callous insensitive callow inexperienced calumny slander camaraderie fellowship canaille rabble canard hoax

candid frank, unrehearsed candor frankness

canine pertaining to dogs canon rule

cant insincere speech

cantankerous peevish cantata musical composition canvass survey

capacious spacious capillary thin tube

capital most significant, pertaining

to wealth

capitol legislative building capitulate surrender

capricious fickle, impulsive caption title

captious fond of finding fault in

others

captivate engross, fascinate carafe bottle

carbine rifle

carcinogenic causing cancer carcinoma tumor

cardinal chief

cardiologist one who studies the

heart

careen swerve carrion decaying flesh cartographer mapmaker cascade waterfall

cashmere fine wool from Asia Cassandra unheeded prophet castigate criticize

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Quiz 5 (Matching)

1. BESMIRCH A. unheeded prophet 2. BICAMERAL B. peevish

3. BILATERAL C. pertaining to dogs

4. BOOTLESS D. plot

5. BRANDISH E. farce

6. BURLESQUE F. display menacingly

7. CABAL G. unavailing

8. CANINE H. two-sided

9. CANTANKEROUS I. having two legislative branches 10. CASSANDRA J. sully

casuistry specious reasoning cataclysm catastrophe catastrophic disastrous categorical absolute, certain cathartic purgative, purifying catholic universal, worldly caucus meeting

cause célèbre celebrated legal case caustic scathing (of speech) cauterize to sear

cavalier disdainful, nonchalant caveat warning

caveat emptor buyer beware cavil quibble

cavort frolic

cede transfer ownership, relinquish celestial heavenly

celibate abstaining from sex cenotaph empty tomb, monument censorious condemning speech

censure condemn ceramics pottery

cerebral pertaining to the brain cessation a stoping chafe abrade chagrin embarrassment chalice goblet champion defend chaperon escort

charade pantomime, sham charlatan quack, imposter chartreuse greenish yellow chary cautious

chaste pure, virgin chasten castigate chateau castle cheeky brass, forward cherub cupid

cherubic sweet, innocent chicanery trickery

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chide scold

chimerical imaginary, dreamlike choleric easily angered

chortle laugh, snort

chronic continual (usually of illness) chronicle a history, record

chronology arrangement by time churl a boor

chutzpah gall

Cimmerian dim, unlit cipher zero, nobody, a code circa about (of time) circuitous roundabout

circumcise remove the foreskin circumlocution roundabout

expression

circumspect cautious circumvent evade, thwart citadel fortress

citation summons to appear in court clamor noise

clan extended family clandestine secret

claustrophobia fear of enclosed

places

cleave split cleft split

clemency forgiveness clique a small group cloister refuge, monastery

clone duplicate clout influence cloven split

cloy glut, to sicken by excess cloyed jaded

co-opt preempt, usurp coagulate thicken coalesce combine coda concluding passage coddle pamper

codicil supplement to a will coercion force

coffer strong box

cogent well-put, convincing cogitate ponder

cognate from the same source cognizant aware, mindful cognomen family name cohabit live together cohere stick together cohort an associate coiffure hairdo

collaborate work together collar seize, arrest

collateral securities for a debt colloquial informal speech colloquy conference collusion conspiracy colonnade row of columns

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Quiz 6 (Antonyms)

1. DERISION: (A) urgency (B) admonishment (C) uniqueness (D) diversity (E) acclaim

2. ANTIPATHY: (A) fondness (B) disagreement (C) boorishness (D) provocation (E) opprobrium

3. CAJOLE: (A) implore (B) glance at (C) belittle (D) ennoble (E) engender

4. CENSURE: (A) prevaricate (B) titillate (C) aggrandize (D) obscure (E) sanction

5. ADULATION: (A) immutability (B) reluctance (C) reflection (D) defamation (E) indifference

6. NOISOME: (A) salubrious (B) affable (C) multifarious (D) provident (E) officious

7. CONSECRATE: (A) curb (B) destroy (C) curse (D) inveigh (E) exculpate

8. ILLUSTRIOUS: (A) bellicose (B) ignoble (C) theoretical (D) esoteric (E) immaculate

9. DEIGN: (A) inveigh (B) gainsay (C) speculate (D) reject (E) laud

10. SUBTERFUGE: (A) bewilderment (B) artlessness (C) deceit (D) felicitation (E) jeopardy

comatose stupor combine unite, blend

commandeer seize for military use commemorate observe

commend praise

commensurate proportionate commiserate empathize commissary food store

commission authorization to

perform a task

commodious spacious commodity product commodore naval officer communion fellowship commutation exchange,

substitution

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compact covenant compassion kindness

compatible well-matched, harmonious compatriot countryman

compelling convincing, persuasive compendium summary

compensate make up for compensatory redeeming competence skillfulness compile collect

complacent self-satisfied, oblivious

to coming danger

compliant submissive, conforming complicity guilt by association comport to conduct oneself composed cool, self-possessed compound augment comprehensive thorough comprise consist of compulsive obsessive compulsory obligatory compunction remorse concatenate link concave curving inward concede yield, grant

concerted done together, intensive

effort

conch spiral shell

conciliatory reconciling, restoring

goodwill

concise brief

conclusive convincing, ending doubt concoct devise

concomitant accompanying,

concurrent

concord accord concordat agreement

concourse throng, open space for a

gathering

concubine mistress concur agree

concurrent simultaneous

condescend patronize, talk down to condiment seasoning

condolence commiseration condone overlook wrong doing,

pardon

conducive helping conduit pipe

confabulate discuss, give a

fictitious account of a past event

confection candy confederacy alliance confer bestow conference meeting confidant trusted friend

confide trust another (with secrets) confiscate seize

conflagration large fire confluence flowing together confound bewilder

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confront challenge confuse perplex confute disprove congeal solidify congenial friendly

congenital inborn, existing from birth congeries pile

congruence conformity coniferous bearing cones

conjecture hypothesis, speculation conjugal pertaining to marriage conjure summon

connive conspire

connoisseur an expert, gourmet consanguineous related by blood conscientious honorable, upright conscription draft, enlistment consecrate make holy

consecutive one after another consensus general agreement considered well thought-out,

contemplated

consign assign

consolation comfort, solice console comfort

consolidate unite, strengthen consonant harmonious consort spouse consortium cartel conspicuous obvious

conspire plot

constellation arrangement of stars consternation anxiety, bewilderment constrained confined

construe interpret consummate perfect contagion infectious agent contemplate meditate contempt disdain contend struggle contented satisfied contentious argumentative contiguous adjacent, abutting continence self-control contingent conditional contort twist

contraband illicit goods contraction shrinkage

contractual related to a contract contrariety opposition contrast difference, comparison contravene oppose

contretemps unfortunate occurrence contrite apologetic

contrive arrange, artificial controversial subject to dispute controvert dispute

contumacy disobedience contusion bruise

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Quiz 7 (Matching)

1. COMMANDEER A. seize for military use 2. COMMUNION B. apologetic

3. COMPATRIOT C. perfect 4. CONCERTED D. accord 5. CONCORD E. done together 6. CONFLUENCE F. pile

7. CONGERIES G. flowing together 8. CONSONANT H. harmonious 9. CONSUMMATE I. countryman 10. CONTRITE J. fellowship

conundrum puzzle, enigma convene assemble (a group) conventional customary, standard converge come together

conversant familiar converse opposite convex curving outward convey communicate

conviction strongly held belief convivial sociable, festive convocation gathering convoke convene, summon convoluted twisted, complicated copious abundant

coquette a flirt cordial friendly

cordon bond, chain, barrier

cornucopia cone-shaped horn filled

with fruit

corollary consequence

coronation crowning of a sovereign

corporeal of the body corps group of people corpulent fat corroborate confirm cortege procession coruscate sparkle

cosmopolitan worldly, sophisticated cosset coddle

coterie small group

countenance facial expression countermand overrule counterstrike strike back countervail counterbalance coup master stroke, sudden takeover coup de grâce final stroke, a blow

of mercy

court-martial military trial courtesan prostitute

courtier member of the king’s court covenant agreement, pact

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covet desire cower showing fear crass crude crave desire craven cowardly credence belief credenza buffet credulity gullibility credulous believing creed belief

crescendo becoming louder crestfallen dejected crevice crack cringe cower

criterion a standard used in judging critique examination, criticism croon sing

cruet bottle crux gist, key

cryptic mysterious, puzzling cubism a style of painting cudgel club

culinary pertaining to cooking cull pick out, select

culminate climax culpable blameworthy culprit offender culvert drain cumbersome unwieldy cumulative accumulate cupidity greed

curb restrain, block

curmudgeon boor, bad-tempered curriculum course of study curry seek favor by flattery cursory hasty

curt abrupt, rude curtail shorten cyclone storm

cynical scornful of the motives or

sincerity of others

cynosure celebrity, center of attention czar Russian emperor

D

dab touch lightly dais platform

dally procrastinate, linger dank cold and damp dauntless courageous de facto actual, in effect de jure legally

de rigueur very formal, compulsory deadpan expressionless

dearth scarcity debacle a rout, defeat debase degrade debauch corrupt

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Quiz 8 (Antonyms)

1. UPSHOT: (A) consequence (B) descent (C) annihilation (D) termination (E) inception

2. WHET: (A) obscure (B) blunt (C) desiccate (D) imbibe (E) enervate

3. PRODIGY: (A) vacuous comment (B) hegemony (C) plane (D) common occurrence (E) capitulation

4. AMBULATORY: (A) immutable (B) obdurate

(C) hospitalized (D) pedantic (E) stationary 5. PLATITUDE: (A) sincere comment (B) enigmatic comment

(C) hostile comment (D) disingenuous comment (E) original comment

6. SEEMLY: (A) redoubtable (B) flaccid (C) imperceptible (D) indigenous (E) unbecoming

7. CHAMPION: (A) relinquish (B) contest (C) oppress (D) modify (E) withhold

8. AIR: (A) release (B) differ (C) expose (D) betray (E) enshroud

9. PERTURBATION: (A) impotence (B) obstruction

(C) prediction (D) equanimity (E) chivalry 10: TEMPESTUOUS: (A) prodigal (B) reticent (C) serene

(D) phenomenal (E) accountable

debauchery indulgence debilitate weaken

debonair sophisticated, affable debrief interrogate, inform debunk refute, expose

debutante a girl debuting into

society

decadence decay (e.g. moral or

cultural)

decant pour

decapitate kill by beheading decathlon athletic contest deceive trick

deciduous shedding leaves decimate destroy

decipher decode

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decommission take a ship out of

service

decorous seemly, dignified decorum protocol, etiquette decree official order decrepitude enfeeblement decry castigate

deduce conclude deduct subtract deem judge

deface mar, disfigure defamation (noun) slander defame (verb) slander

defeatist one who is resigned to

defeat

defer postpone

deference courteously yielding to

another

deficit shortage defile pollute, corrupt definitive conclusive, final deflect turn aside

deflower despoil defraud swindle defray pay deft skillful defunct extinct degrade demean dehydrate dry out deign condescend deity a god delectable delicious delegate authorize delete remove deleterious harmful deliberate ponder

delineate draw a line around, describe delinquent negligent, culpable delirium mental confusion, ecstasy delude deceive

deluge a flood

delve dig, explore (of ideas)

demagogue a politician who appeals

to base instincts demean degrade demeanor behavior demented deranged demise death demobilize disband

demography study of human

populations

demoralize dishearten demote lower in rank

demur take (mild) exception, balk demure sedate, reserved

denigrate defame denizen dweller

denomination class, sect denote signify, stand for denouement resolution

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denounce condemn denude strip bare depart leave depict portray deplete exhaust deplore condemn deploy arrange forces

deportment behavior, posture deposition testimony

depravity immorality, wickedness deprecate belittle

depredation preying on, plunder deprive take away

deracinate uproot derelict negligent deride ridicule derisive mocking derogatory degrading derrick crane

desecrate profane, defile desiccate dehydrate designate appoint desist stop desolate forsaken despicable contemptible despise loathe despondent depressed despot tyrant destitute poor desuetude disuse

desultory without direction in life detached emotionally removed detain confine

détente truce

detention confinement deter discourage, prevent deterrent hindrance, disincentive detract lessen, undermine detractor one who criticizes detrimental harmful detritus debris devastate lay waste deviate turn away from devise plan

devoid empty

devotee enthusiast, follower devout pious

diabolical devilish

dialectic pertaining to debate diaphanous sheer, translucent diatribe long denunciation dicey risky

dichotomy a division into two parts dictate command

dictum saying didactic instructional diffident shy digress ramble

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Quiz 9 (Matching)

1. DEBUNK A. decode

2. DECIPHER B. refute 3. DEDUCE C. conclusive 4. DEFINITIVE D. conclude

5. DEFUNCT E. to draw a line around 6. DELINEATE F. extinct

7. DENOMINATION G. belittle 8. DEPRECATE H. sect

9. DESOLATE I. pertaining to debate 10. DIALECTIC J. forsaken

dilapidated neglected dilate enlarge

dilatory procrastinating dilemma a difficult choice dilettante amateur, dabbler diligent hard-working diminution reduction diocese district dire dreadful

dirigible airship, blimp disabuse correct disaffect alienate disarray disorder disavow deny, disown disband disperse disburse pay out discernible visible discerning observant disclaim renounce disconcert confuse

disconsolate inconsolable discord lack of harmony discourse conversation discreet prudent

discrepancy difference, disagreement discrete separate

discretion prudence, the ability to

make well-reasoned decisions

discriminating able to see differences discursive rambling

disdain contempt disengage release, detach disfigure mar, ruin disgruntled disappointed dishevel m u s s

disinclination unwillingness disingenuous deceptive, insincere disinter unearth

disinterested impartial

(31)

dismal gloomy dismantle take apart dismay dread disparage belittle disparate various

disparity difference, inequality dispassionate impartial dispatch send

dispel cause to banish disperse scatter dispirit discourage

disposition attitude, temper dispossess take away possessions disputatious fond of arguing dispute debate

disquietude anxiety

disquisition elaborate treatise disrepute disgrace

dissemble pretend, hide true beliefs disseminate distribute

dissent disagree with the majority dissertation lecture

dissidence disagreement dissipate scatter, squander dissolute profligate, immoral dissolution disintegration dissonance discord dissuade deter distend swell

distortion misinterpret, lie distract divert

distrait preoccupied, absent-minded distraught distressed

distrust suspect

dither move without purpose diurnal daily

diva prima donna diverge branch off diverse varying diversion pastime diversity variety divest strip, deprive dividend distributed profits divine foretell

divisive causing conflict divulge disclose

docile domesticated, trained dock curtail

doctrinaire dogmatic document verify dodder tremble dogged persistent doggerel poor verse

dogmatic certain, unchanging in

opinion

dolce sweetly and gently doldrums dullness doleful sorrowful

(32)

Quiz 10 (Antonyms)

1. CURB: (A) bridle (B) encourage (C) reproach (D) ameliorate (E) perjure

2. DOCUMENT: (A) copy (B) implement (C) gainsay (D) blanch (E) rant

3. FLUID: (A) radiant (B) smooth (C) solid (D) balky (E) craggy

4. BOLT: (A) linger (B) refrain from (C) subdue (D) strip (E) transgress

5. TABLE: (A) palliate (B) acclimate (C) garner (D) propound (E) expedite

6. HARBOR: (A) provide shelter (B) banish (C) acquiesce (D) extol (E) capitulate

8. STEEP: (A) desiccate (B) intensify (C) pontificate (D) whet (E) hamper

9. RENT: (A) reserved (B) restored (C) razed (D) busy (E) kinetic

10. EXACT: (A) extract (B) starve (C) lecture (D) menace (E) condone

dolorous gloomy domicile home

dominion area of authority don assume, put on donor contributor dormant asleep dossier file dotage senility doting attending

double-entendre having two

meanings one of which is sexually suggestive

doughty resolute, unafraid dour sullen

dowager widow doyen dean of a group draconian harsh dregs residue, riffraff drivel inane speech droll amusing

drone speak in a monotonic voice dubious doubtful

(33)

dudgeon resentment, indignant

humor

duenna governess duet twosome dulcet melodious

dupe one who is easily trick, victim duplicity deceit, treachery

duress coercion dynamic energetic

E

ebb recede

ebullient exuberant eccentric odd, weird ecclesiastical churchly echelon degree, rank éclat brilliance

eclectic from many sources ectoderm top layer of skin ecumenical universal, promoting

unity

edict order edifice building edify instruct

editorialize express an opinion educe draw forth, evoke

efface obliterate effeminate unmanly effervescence exuberance

effete worn out efficacious effective efficacy effectiveness effigy likeness, mannequin effloresce to bloom effrontery insolence effulgent brilliant effusion pouring forth egocentric self-centered egregious grossly wrong egress exit

ejaculate exclaim

eke supplement with great effort, strain elaboration detailed explanation elate raise spirits

electorate voters

eleemosynary pertaining to charity elegant refined, exquisite

elegiac sad elephantine large elicit provoke elide omit elite upper-class

ellipsis omission of words eloquent well-spoken elucidate make clear, explain elude evade

elusive evasive

(34)

emancipate liberate emasculate castrate, dispirit embargo restriction embellish exaggerate, adorn embezzlement theft emblazon imprint, brand embody personify embrace accept, adopt embrangle embroil

embroil involve with trouble embryonic rudimentary, nascent emend correct

emergent appearing

emeritus retired, but retaining title eminent distinguished, famous emissary messenger

emote to display exaggerated

emotion

empathy compassion, sympathy employ make use of

empower enable, grant emulate imitate enact decree, ordain

enamored charmed, captivated enate related on the mother’s side encapsulate condense

enchant charm

enclave area enclosed within another

region

encomium praise

encompass contain, encircle encore additional performance encroach trespass

encumber burden

encyclopedic comprehensive endear enamor

endeavor attempt, strive

endemic peculiar to a particular region endocrinologist one who studies

glands of internal secretion

endoderm within the skin endorse approve

endowment property, gift

endure to suffer without giving up enervate weaken

enfranchise liberate, grant the right

to vote

engaging enchanting, charming engender generate, prompt engrave carve into a material engross captivate

engulf overwhelm enhance improve enigmatic puzzling enjoin urge, order, forbid enlighten inform enlist j o i n

enmity hostility, hatred ennoble exalt

(35)

Quiz 11 (Matching)

1. DORMANT A. exuberant 2. DOUGHTY B. puzzling

3. DUET C. comprehensive

4. EBULLIENT D. asleep

5. EFFEMINATE E. omission of words 6. ELLIPSIS F. unmanly

7. EMANCIPATE G. charm 8. ENCHANT H. liberate 9. ENCYCLOPEDIC I. twosome 10. ENIGMATIC J. resolute

enormity large, tragic ensemble musical group enshroud cover, obscure ensnare trap, lure ensue follow immediately entail involve, necessitate enterprise undertaking enthrall mesmerize entice lure

entomology the study of insects entourage assemblage, staff entreat plead

entrench fortify

entrepreneur businessman enumerate count

enviable desirable

envision imagine, visualize envoy messenger

eon long period of time ephemeral short-lived

epic majestic, a long narrative poem epicure gourmet

epidemic spreading rapidly epidemiology study of the spread

of disease

epigram saying episode incident

epistemology the branch of

philosophy dealing with knowledge

epithet name, appellation epoch era

epoxy glue

equable even-tempered equanimity composure, poise equine pertaining to horses equitable fair

equivocate make intentionally

ambiguous

era period of time eradicate abolish ergo therefore

(36)

erode wear away err mistake, misjudge errant wandering

erratic constantly changing erroneous mistaken ersatz artificial erudite learned erupt burst forth escalate intensify escapade adventure escarpment a steep slope eschew avoid

esoteric known by only a few esplanade boardwalk espouse advocate esteem respect esthetic artistic estimable meritorious estrange alienate eternal endless ethereal light, airy

ethical conforming to accepted

standards of behavior

ethos beliefs of a group etiquette manners

etymology study of words euphemism genteel expression euphoria elation

euthanasia mercy-killing

evade avoid

evanescent fleeting, very brief evangelical proselytizing evasive elusive

eventful momentous eventual ultimate, coming eventuate bring about

evidential pertaining to evidence evince attest, demonstrate eviscerate disembowel evoke draw forth

evolution gradual change ewe female sheep

ex officio by virtue of position exacerbate worsen

exact use authority to force payment exacting demanding, difficult exalt glorify

exasperate irritate excerpt selection, extract excision removal exclaim shout exclude shut out exclusive prohibitive excommunicate expel excruciate torture execrable abominable execute put into effect exegesis interpretation

(37)

Quiz 12 (Antonyms)

1. DISCORD: (A) agreement (B) supposition (C) strife (D) scrutiny (E) antithesis

2. KEEN: (A) concentrated (B) languid (C) rash (D) caustic (E) voracious

3. IRRELEVANT: (A) moot (B) onerous (C) impertinent (D) germane (E) true

4. FACILITATE: (A) appease (B) expedite (C) extol (D) foil (E) precipitate

5. FEND: (A) absorb (B) disperse (C) intensify (D) reflect (E) halt

6. PORTLY: (A) ill (B) thin (C) dull (D) rotund (E) insipid

7. DEPLETE: (A) tax (B) annotate (C) replenish (D) lecture (E) vanquish

8. INCESSANT: (A) intermittent (B) continual (C) increasing (D) enclosing (E) expanding

9. PERJURE: (A) absolve (B) forswear (C) impeach (D) authenticate (E) mortify

10. PLETHORA: (A) dishonor (B) paucity (C) glut (D) resolve (E) deluge

exemplary outstanding exempt excuse exhaustive thorough

exhibitionist one who draws

attention to himself

exhort strongly urge exhume uncover exigency urgency

exiguous scanty exile banish

exodus departure, migration exonerate free from blame exorbitant expensive exorcise expel expanse extent of land expansive sweeping

(38)

expedient advantageous expedite hasten

expel drive out

expertise knowledge, ability expiate atone

expletive curse, invective expliate atone

explicate explain explicit definite, clear exploit utilize, milk expose divulge, reveal expostulate protest expound explain

expropriate dispossess, confiscate expunge erase

exquisite beautifully made extant existing

extemporize improvise extent scope

extenuate mitigate

extirpate seek out and destroy extol praise highly

extort obtain under duress extract to pull out, exact extradite deport, deliver extraneous not essential extrapolate infer

extremity farthest point, boundary extricate disentangle

extroverted outgoing extrude force out exuberant joyous exude emit exult rejoice

F

fabrication a lie

facade mask, front of a building facet aspect

facetious joking, sarcastic facile easy

facilitate make easier facility skill

facsimile duplicate faction clique, sect

factious causing disagreement factitious artificial

factotum handyman fallacious false fallacy false belief

fallow unproductive, unplowed falsetto high male voice falter waver

fanaticism excessive zeal fane temple

fanfare publicity

farcical absurd, ridiculous farrago mixture

(39)

fascism totalitarianism, extreme

nationalism

fastidious meticulous fatal resulting in death fathom understand fatuity foolishness fatuous inane, stupid fauna animals

faux pas false step, mistake fealty loyalty

feasible likely to succeed feat deed, remarkable achievement febrile feverish, delirious feckless incompetent fecund fertile

feign pretend felicity happiness felonious criminal

femme fatale a woman who leads

men to their destruction

fend ward off feral untamed, wild ferment turmoil ferret rummage through fertile fruitful

fervor intensity

fester decay, to make someone

increasingly bitter

festive joyous festoon decorate

fete to honor with an event fetid stinking

fetters shackles

fey eccentric, whimsical fiasco debacle

fiat decree

fickle always changing one’s mind fictitious invented, imaginary fidelity loyalty

figment falsehood, fantasy filch steal

filial son

filibuster long speech fillip stimulus finale conclusion finesse skill firebrand agitator firmament sky fiscal monetary

fitful starting and stopping irregularly fjord coastal inlet

flabbergasted amazed, bumdfounded flagellate w h i p

flagrant outrageous, blatant

flail whip, to thrash something around

uncontrollably and menacingly

fledgling just beginning, struggling flippant pert, glib, dismissive florid ruddy, ornate

(40)

Quiz 13 (Matching)

1. EXHORT A. free from blame 2. EXONERATE B. strongly urge 3. EXPOSTULATE C. agitator 4. EXTRADITE D. untamed 5. EXULT E. debacle 6. FACTITIOUS F. inane 7. FATUOUS G. artificial 8. FERAL H. deport 9. FIASCO I. rejoice 10. FIREBRAND J. protest

flout to show disregard for the law or

rules

fluctuate waver, vary foible weakness, minor fault foil defeat, thwart

foist palm off a fake foment instigate

font source, fountainhead, set of type forage search for food

foray raid

forbear abstain, restrain oneself force majeure superior force foreboding ominous foreclose exclude

forensic pertaining to debate foresight ability to predict the

future

forestall thwart, preempt

forgo relinquish (usually voluntarily) forsake abandon

forswear deny

forthright frank forthwith immediately fortify strengthen

fortitude resilience, courage fortuitous lucky

foster encourage, cultivate founder sink. fail fracas noisy fight fragile easily broken

fragmented broken into fragments fraternity brotherhood

fraught filled

frenetic harried, neurotic fret worry

fritter squander frivolity playfulness frolic romp, play frond bending tree frugal thrifty fruitful productive

(41)

fruition realization, completion fruitless unprofitable, barren fulminate denounce, menace fulsome excessive, insincere fuming angry

furlough leave of absence furor commotion

furtive stealthy

fusillade bombardment futile hopeless

G

gaffe embarrassing mistake gainful profitable

gainsay contradict galvanize excite to action gambit plot, strategy gamut range, scope gargantuan large garner gather garnish decorate garrote stranglehold garrulous talkative gauche awkward genealogy ancestry generic general genesis beginning genetics study of heredity genre kind, category

genteel elegant, refined genuflect kneel in reverence genuine authentic, sincere geriatrics pertaining to old age germane relevant

ghastly horrible gibe heckle

gingivitis inflammation of the gums gist essence (of an argument)

glabrous without hair glaucoma disorder of the eye glean gather

glib insincere manner glower stare angrily glut surplus, excess

glutton one who eats too much gnarl deform

gnome dwarf-like being goad encourage, provoke googol a very large number gorge stuff, satiate

gorgon ugly person

gormandize eat voraciously gory bloody

gossamer thin and flimsy

Gothic medieval style of architecture gouge overcharge

gracious kindness, politeness gradient incline, rising by degrees

(42)

Quiz 14 (Antonyms)

1. ASSIMILATE: (A) strive (B) adapt (C) synchronize (D) estrange (E) officiate

2. INADVERTENT: (A) accidental (B) disingenuous (C) forthright (D) inconsiderate (E) calculated

3. ABSCOND: (A) pilfer (B) replace (C) glean (D) substitute (E) surrender 4. FOMENT: (A) exhort (B) dissuade (C) cower

(D) abet (E) fixate

5. EXTENUATE: (A) alleviate (B) preclude (C) worsen (D) subdue (E) justify

6. NONPAREIL: (A) consummate (B) juvenile (C) dutiful (D) ordinary (E) choice

7. REPUDIATE: (A) denounce (B) deceive (C) embrace (D) fib (E) generalize

8. NOXIOUS: (A) diffuse (B) latent (C) beneficial (D) unique (E) unjust

9. SUFFRAGE: (A) absence of charity (B) absence of franchise (C) absence of pain (D) absence of success (E) absence of malice

10. GLEAN: (A) gaffe (B) furor (C) gather (D) frolic (E) foist

gradual by degrees, changing slowly grandiose impressive, large

granular grainy grapple struggle gratis free

gratitude thankfulness

gratuitous unwarranted, uncalled for gratuity tip

gravamen the essential part of an

accusation

gravity seriousness gregarious sociable grievous tragic, heinous

grimace expression of disgust or pain grisly gruesome

(43)

grudging reluctant guffaw laughter guile deceit

gullible easily deceived gusto great enjoyment guttural throaty gyrate whirl

H

habitat natural environment habituate accustom hackneyed trite haggard gaunt halcyon serene hale healthy hallucination delusion hamper obstruct hapless unlucky harangue tirade harass torment harbinger forerunner harbor give shelter, conceal hardy healthy

harlequin clown

harp complain incessantly harridan hag

harrowing distressing harry harass

haughty arrogant haven refuge

havoc destruction, chaos hearsay gossip

hedonism the pursuit of pleasure in

life

heed follow advice heedless careless

hegemony authority, domination hegira a journey to a more pleasant

place

heinous vile, atrocious

heliocentric having the sun as a

center

helix a spiral helots slaves herald harbinger

herbivorous feeding on plants Herculean powerful, large hermetic airtight, sealed hermit one who lives in solitude herpetologist one who studies

reptiles

heterodox departing form established

doctrines

heuristic teaching device or method hew cut

heyday glory days, prime hiatus interruption hibernal wintry hidalgo nobleman

(44)

hidebound prejudiced, provincial hideous horrible

hie to hasten

highbrow intellectual hirsute bearded

histrionic overly dramatic

holograph written entirely by hand homage respect

homely plain homily sermon

homogeneous uniform

homonym words that are identical in

spelling and pronunciation

hone sharpen horde group

hortatory inspiring good deeds hospice shelter

hovel shanty, cabin hoyden tomboy hubris arrogance hue color

humane compassionate

humanities languages and literature humility humbleness

hummock knoll, mound humus soil

husbandry management hybrid crossbreed

hydrophobia fear of water

hygienic sanitary

hymeneal pertaining to marriage hymn religious song

hyperactive overactive hyperbole exaggeration hypertension elevated blood

pressure

hypocritical deceiving, two-faced hypoglycemic low blood sugar hypothermia low body temperature

I

ibidem in the same place ichthyology study of fish iconoclast one who rails against

sacred institutions

idiosyncrasy peculiarity idyllic natural, picturesque ignoble dishonorable ilk class, clan illicit unlawful illimitable limitless illusory fleeting, deceptive illustrious famous imbibe drink imbue infuse

immaculate spotlessly clean immaterial irrelevant immense huge

(45)

Quiz 15 (Matching)

1. GRANDIOSE A. drink

2. GRIEVOUS B. pertaining to marriage 3. HALCYON C. arrogance

4. HARLEQUIN D. prejudiced

5. HEDONISM E. teaching device or method 6. HEURISTIC F. the pursuit of pleasure in life 7. HIDEBOUND G. clown

8. HUBRIS H. serene

9. HYMENEAL I. heinous 10. IMBIBE J. impressive

immerse bathe, engross imminent about to happen immobile still

immolate sacrifice (especially by fire) immunity exemption from

prosecution

immure build a wall around immutable unchangeable, absolute impair injure

impale pierce impartial not biased impasse deadlock

impassioned fiery, emotional impassive calm

impeach accuse, charge impeccable faultless impecunious indigent impede hinder

impediment obstacle impel urge, force

impending approaching, imminent imperative vital, pressing imperceptible slight, intangible imperialism colonialism imperil endanger

imperious domineering impertinent insolent

imperturbable calm, unflappable impervious impenetrable, unreceptive impetuous impulsive

impetus stimulus, spark impinge encroach, touch implant instill

implausible unlikely, improbable implement carry out, execute implicate incriminate implicit implied implore entreat

implosion bursting inward impolitic unwise, inappropriate

(46)

imponderable difficult to estimate import meaning, significance importune urgent request imposing intimidating, stately imposition intrusion, burden impotent powerless

impound seize

imprecation curse, inculcate impregnable invincible impresario promoter

impressionable susceptible, easily

influenced

impressionism a style of painting imprimatur sanction

impromptu spontaneous improvise invent impudence insolence impugn criticize, accuse

impulse inclination, sudden desire impulsive to act suddenly impunity exemption from harm impute charge

in toto in full, entirely inadvertent unintentional inadvisable not recommended inalienable that which cannot be

taken away

inane vacuous, stupid inanimate inorganic, lifeless inaudible cannot be heard

inaugurate induct (with a ceremony) inborn innate incalculable immeasurable incandescent brilliant incantation chant incapacitate disable incarcerate imprison incarnate embody, personify incendiary inflammatory incense enrage

incentive stimulus, inducement incessant unceasing

incest sex among family members inchoate just begun

incidental insignificant, minor incinerate burn

incipient beginning incision c u t

incisive keen, penetrating incite foment, provoke incivility rudeness inclement harsh, stormy inclusive comprehensive incognito disguised incommunicado unable to

communicate with others

incomparable peerless

incompatibility inability to live